In April 1967, the village of Oak Lawn experienced one of the most destructive tornados to hit the Chicago metropolitan area, damaging homes and businesses. The aftermath of the tornado led to immediate redevelopment in Oak Lawn, spurring a growth mindset that remains front of mind for many in this community of more than 58,000 people in the Chicagoland suburbs.
The Tornado Memorial to those who lost their lives on April 21, 1967 in Oak Lawn.
Oak Lawn Village Hall hosts town meetings and special events.
Brick multi-level condo properties are common in the Oak Lawn area.
Metra tracks bisect Oak Lawn, providing quick train access to downtown Chicago.
1/4
Median home price is lower than Chicago and national medians
The median housing price in Oak Lawn is $267,000, although single-family homes have a higher median price, about $323,000. While home values in Oak Lawn have increased by around 8% in the past year, the village’s median is lower than the Chicago median — $400,415 — and the national median — $554,024. Split-level homes and brick raised ranches are common throughout Oak Lawn, located in pockets of suburban developments where neighbors see each other out walking the dog or getting some fresh air. Interested buyers can also find condos in Oak Lawn, located in complexes like Shibui and West Edge.
Oak Lawn has a mix of styles of architecture to choose from around town.
Oak Lawn homes price hover around $235,000.
Oak Lawn homes have driveways and many have detached garages.
Split level homes in Oak Park often feature carports.
1/4
Rising property crime rates in Oak Lawn
Out of the 949 total instances of crime in the village in 2023, 873 were property crimes, according to the FBI Crime Data Explorer. Rates for property crime and violent crime have increased slightly since 2021. However, Niche reports that Oak Lawn’s crime statistics are still below national averages.
The Chamber of Commerce invites new businesses
Downtown Oak Lawn stretches along 95th Street. “In downtown Oak Lawn, there are lots of coffee shops and restaurants that you can walk to,” says Assumpta Ingram, a real estate agent with Real Broker LLC and a longtime Oak Lawn resident. “When you get off the train downtown, you have lots of places to meet up with people after work.” Oak Lawn’s Chamber of Commerce is active in the community, working to bring more local businesses to the area. “The village definitely gets involved with and encouraging all the new businesses,” Ingram says. “More residents are owning businesses in the area, and there’s a good array of things coming to Oak Lawn.” Outside of downtown, pockets of shopping centers and grocery stores sit along Oak Lawn’s major thoroughfares. Off 95th, Oak Lawn Commons offers three grocery options, including a Jewel-Osco. Stony Creek Promenade on the southern side of Oak Lawn features the village’s Mariano’s and big box stores.
Target is a great place to take care of shopping needs in Oak Lawn.
The Barrel Club, known for its whiskey menu, is open 5 days a week in Oak Lawn.
Jewel-Osco has a full time butcher that serves the residents of Oak Lawn.
The Marianos of Oak Lawn has a massive frozen section to choose from.
1/4
Driving to work at the hospital and snowy roads in the winter
Off 95th Street, Advocate Christ Medical Center is one of the major employers in Oak Lawn, with about 22% of residents in 2022 reporting to the U.S. Census that they work in healthcare, educational services or social assistance. Car dealerships are also major employers, with numerous sales lots along 95th Street. About 75% of the population in Oak Lawn drives to work, according to the census. They can take Interstate 55 to downtown Chicago. Pace buses also run along major thoroughfares like 95th Street and Cicero Avenue. And Metra's SouthWest Service runs 16 miles northeast to downtown Chicago. Chicago Midway International Airport is about 5 miles north of Oak Lawn. In the winter, the village government sends out plows to remove snow and salt the roads. “The village is on top of plowing and salting for sure. We are very lucky,” Ingram says.
Oak Lawn students zoned for multiple school districts
Two elementary school districts serve Oak Lawn students. Children living east of Central Avenue are zoned for the Oak Lawn-Homeland School District 123, which has a B-plus rating on Niche. Those west of Central Avenue can attend Ridgeland School District 122, which receives a B-minus rating. Students can also attend one of two high school districts depending on where they live. Students north of 99th Street are zoned for Oak Lawn Community High School District 229. The rest of the students attend Community High School District 218, which ranks as the 13th-most diverse school district in Illinois. Both schools earn a B-plus rating.
Oak Lawn Neighborhood Sward Elementary has grades from K to 8th grade.
Oak Lawn Neighborhood Sward Elementary has an expansive playground.
Oak Lawn-Hometown Middle School is located in Oak Lawn, IL.
Oak Lawn Community High School provides education in the neighborhood of
Oak Lawn
1/4
38-acre Centennial Park is the largest in Oak Lawn
Oak Lawn Park District manages over 280 acres of parks across the village, with pocket parks and neighborhood green spaces often within walking distance of homes. On the far western side of town, Centennial Park stretches across 38 acres, making it the largest park in Oak Lawn. The soccer fields and volleyball courts host youth and adult leagues. The grounds also offer a swimming pool with a slide and a 45,000-square-foot indoor recreational center. On the southern side of Oak Lawn, Wolfe Wildlife Refuge’s wetlands are home to more than 100 avian species, such as peregrine falcons. The park district recently received a grant for $600,000 to renovate and refurbish the park, with the first phase of the project already underway. The district aims to replace the bridge along the walking path, install exercise equipment and add pickleball courts.
Oak Lawn Neighborhood Cennt Park Signage.
Oak Lawn Neighborhood Cennt Park Volleyball Court.
Oak Lawn Neighborhood Cennt Park Walking Path goes around the park.
You can run and jog inside at the upstairs track at Oak Lawn Park District.
1/4
Downtown's summer events and concert series
Oak Lawn hosts festivals downtown, both on the village green in front of the town hall and across the street from the library. In the summer, people bring lawn chairs and picnic blankets to the Sunday Concert Series. “And they do a really good job of bringing in some great bands,” Ingram says. “Everybody is getting together for the end of summer—it’s one of the last outdoor event of the season.” Attractions include the Children's Museum, which features exhibits and galleries with interactive displays.
The Children's Museum is right next to the Metra stop in Oak Lawn.
Just out side the Children's Museum of Oak Lawn is an painted acorn for the kids to see.
Kathy O'Radnik is the Designated Managing Broker/Owner of RE/MAX 1st Service and has a real estate career that spans more than three decades. Kathy's resume state the notable Chicagoland real estate firms and franchises of Koenig & Strey, Baird & Warner, ERA and RE/MAX.
Kathy and her husband have been Orland Park residents since 1984. Their one daughter is a licensed Realtor with RE/MAX 1st Service. Kathy's real estate expertise includes the various aspects of sales, marketing, contract negotiation, staging, relocation, training, agent coaching and office management. She was the first woman President of the Southwest Suburban Women's Council of Realtors and has devoted numerous years of service to the South Suburban and Mainstreet Organization of Realtors within their Public Relations committee, Grievance committee and Professional Standards committee. Kathy holds the Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager Designation (CRB).
Within the RE/MAX 1st Service name, Kathy's philosophy of service is apparent. When selecting the office name, Kathy believed that "1st Service" would showcase and answer the consumer's desire to seek quality service from their Realtor. Also, Agents wish to affiliate with an office that continues to upgrade and enhance the work environment and services that will increase an agent's profitability. RE/MAX 1st Service recognizes the full circle of service required within an innovative firm. The Agent must provide excellent service to the buyer and seller in union with the office. An Agent requires knowledge and expertise from management, thus the office must provide daily service to the Agent.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
